Reflection Questions

How important would it be for young children, in trying to interrupt the cycle of racism, for the teachers to apply the ABE Goals and how can they go about doing so? It is so important because we need the children to understand that the color of their skin does not define who they are as a person. All shades of skin color are equally important to the community. For me children are not born racist, it is something taught and in order to interrupt the cycle we have to connect with the parents/families as well. It is a collective cyle that needs to be broken. I would start by having community sessions with families showing them studies via video of how racism make others feel and move forward from there. 

Also, what do you think when considering the following question, regarding the goals:  

• Do you think it’s long overdue? Yes, interrupting the cycle of racism is very long overdue.

• Do you feel like it’s comprehensive, or limited? Some things could be added to it? The cycle of racism is comprehensive for sure, it is nothing limited about it. Racism has caused people their lives and livelihood and it is time to get rid of it once and for all.

• Do you think it’s good, radical, or any other way you’d like to describe it? Racism is radical in the terms of putting one race above the other and causing harm to the lesser. I feel like everyone has the right to their opinion but when it puts people in jeopardy that's when it becomes an issue. 

How important do you believe hair, and the way it is worn, to be when it come to today’s society and why do you feel that way? For me, hair is not as important to me as it is to others and that is because I don't show my hair at all outside. But I do feel hair and the way it is styled help builds confidence. I feel that people in today's society wear their hair as an accessory. They pay a lot of money to get their hair done, most feels like it's worth the money because it helps complete their outfit.

What do you think about this quote from the video we watched in our fourth session: “We need to think about the ways we frame demands for inclusion and representation and serious rethink the way we attribute, or more often, do not attribute value to indigenous knowledge systems.” I didn't think much about inclusion until I stepped in to the education world. Growing up my parents didn't teach us about inclusion, we only worried about the people that were around us and they looked mostly like us. As I began to work in the education field I observed children make fun of other children because they don't look like them. It is our job as educators to teach the children at an early age that although their skin complexion is different doesn't mean it is a negative characteristic.

Reflect on the most encouraging words you can recall hearing growing up.

• What were they? Proud, creative, valuable, smart, capable, and deserving

• What words you can recall hearing as an adult? Goals, initiative, striving, piety, chivalry, and intentional

• What are some things we can do to encourage students to reach out to us when they are in need? It is so important to create a safe space where children have complete trust in you. When you provide that space, you will be surprised how freely children will walk up to you and start talking voluntarily. One thing we know is that children love to talk but it depends how they feel about you if they come and speak to you.

Think about the word, “Africa.” What five words come to mind when you think of Africa? Black, Beautiful, Nourishing, Dance, Body

Recall a time when you or someone close to you encountered negative words. Share how it made you feel. There was a time when an older white woman called my mom a nigga and I completely lost it. I am naturally my mother's protector so I went in to instant defense mode. When I saw my mother's facial expression after she heard that word, I knew it hurt her and I wanted that lady to feel the same feeling so I verbally responded in a manner that would hurt her feelings. I know 2 wrongs don't make a right, but at that point in my life I was tired of them getting away with doing racists acts and I made it my business to make sure she didn't get away with hurting my mom.

How has your knowledge of the Diaspora grown over time, especially after this cohort session? My knowledge of the Dispora has grown tremendously within this cohort session. It helped me understand the importance of spreading the beautiful side of the African American culture. So much time is spent on racism, we must start including the beautiful characteristics of the black culture within a classroom setting. We should focus more on the positive and teaching the different aspects of the African culture.

In what ways will you continue your learning about the diaspora to support the P.R.I.D.E. work you intend to implement in your classroom I will continue to research the beauty of the cultures within my classroom and implementing within lessons. I would also like for each child to bring a piece of their culture from home and be able to talk about it.